Lions Clubs work a little differently from most volunteer groups. Membership is by invitation, and every new member is sponsored by a current Lion. That sounds more formal than it is — in practice it usually just means a member gets to know you, invites you to a meeting, and signs on to your application when you're ready.

If you don't already know a Lion in Bally, that's fine. Reach out through our Contact page and we'll connect you with someone who can answer your questions and invite you to come see what we do.

We're a volunteer service club rooted in Bally Borough. Our work centers on neighbors who need a hand and on community events that keep Bally connected.

In a given year, you'll find us:

• Organizing the annual Bally Halloween Parade
• Running our Medical Equipment Lending Program — loaning wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment to residents at no cost
• Raising money for causes Lions International focuses on: vision and eye health, childhood cancer, diabetes awareness, and hunger relief
• Stepping in locally when a family or community project needs support

Most of our work happens shoulder-to-shoulder with other members. If you prefer hands-on service to sitting on committees, you'll fit in fine.

Four steps, none of them complicated:

1. Reach out. Send us a note through the Contact page.
2. Visit a meeting or event. Come meet the group and see what we're about. No pressure, no commitment.
3. Submit an application. Once you've met members and decided you're interested, you fill out a short membership application and a sponsoring Lion signs on.
4. Get inducted. After our board approves the application, you're welcomed in at a regular meeting.

The whole process usually takes a few weeks, depending on our meeting schedule.

Here's the honest version: Lions clubs only work because members actually show up. We'd rather have a smaller group of engaged members than a long roster of names we never see.

We know schedules vary. Some members give a few hours a month, others get deeper into projects and leadership - and both are welcome. What we ask is simple: when you're with us, be present, and when we need a hand, pitch in where you can. That's what keeps the work going and makes the club worth being part of.

• Meetings. We meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Monday. The second Monday meeting is held at the Main Street Pub, and the fourth Monday meeting is at our Dennis Hafer Medical Equipment Storage Building.
• Dues. Members pay annual dues that cover Lions Clubs International, district, and local club costs. We'll walk you through the specifics when we talk.
• Time commitment. A few hours a month is a reasonable starting point. Members who take on events or committees put in more. You'll find your level.
• Who can join. Members must be at least 18 and of good standing in the community. Men and women are equally welcome.